Changing a tire

[Spur]

Hi Guys,
Does anyone have a picture of the "main frame rail" that we're supposed to use when jacking up the trailer? I just want to be sure that I put the jack in the proper location. I have a 26BH, so if anyone wants to make a jack recommendation that would be helpful too. As always, I thank you in advance for your wisdom! God bless.

[Sundancer330]

Check out this video, it will show you where to place a jack under the frame.

https://youtu.be/66MYdnRZ7Ho

[Iraqvet05]

The main frame rails are the outside rails the spring shackles bolt to. I've jacked up the TT from there but it takes a high lift jack or a few blocks of wood to get the tire in the air. I bought one of these for roadside tire changes but I haven't had to use it: https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T.../dp/B000I4JPZE

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by Iraqvet05

The main frame rails are the outside rails the spring shackles bolt to. I've jacked up the TT from there but it takes a high lift jack or a few blocks of wood to get the tire in the air. I bought one of these for roadside tire changes but I haven't had to use it: https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T.../dp/B000I4JPZE

I have one and although I haven't used it personally, the tire shop that put my new tires on utilized it...with my permission and with me moving the TV forward and backwards. They said that it made the tire change much faster.

[Dkarel11]

Great video. +1

[mtdawg]

I bought one of those tire trailer aids and it doesn't work on my trailer. running one tire up onto it does not raise the other tire high enough. Might work on some trailers, but not mine.

Jim

[Spur]

Yeah, I was ready to purchase a Tire-Aid but then I realized that it wouldn't work with a leaf spring suspension. They only work with Torsion suspensions. The terms "leaf spring" and "torsion" are at the apex of my mechanical knowledge and understanding lol , hence, my question about where to position the jack. Great video though. That helps a lot.

[Spur]

So the video jacks up on the frame. That makes me nervous. It seems that the axle, close to the tire, would make more sense. No?

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Spur

So the video jacks up on the frame. That makes me nervous. It seems that the axle, close to the tire, would make more sense. No?

Nope, place the jack under the frame, right before or aft of the tire to be changed. The axles are designed for a very particular arch, and placing all the weight on one spot could bend the axle.

[Spur]

Ok, good to know. Any particular jack you would recommend that I can keep in the trailer? I have a 26 BH that weighs at the most 7k.

[Murff]

6 ton hydraulic bottle jack with a big block of wood to put under it.

Personally, I like to have a transvestite with me when I have a flat because of how fast they can change attire!

Murff

[Marcm157]

I carry 2 - 8 ton Bottle Jacks and some assorted wood blocks / planks. I prefer that over the ramp /lifting assist type devices. I agree with the guy in the video and don't like 4 way lug wrenches. I use a breaker bar and socket.

[oldenuftoknowbetter]

Originally Posted by Iraqvet05

The main frame rails are the outside rails the spring shackles bolt to. I've jacked up the TT from there but it takes a high lift jack or a few blocks of wood to get the tire in the air. I bought one of these for roadside tire changes but I haven't had to use it: https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-T.../dp/B000I4JPZE

I have a Trailer Aid and have used it. I picked up a screw in my trailer tire on my last trip and pulled into a parking lot to change the tire. I eased the good tire up onto the Trailer Aid and changed the flat in no time.

It just so happened that a group of UPS drivers were doing trailer swaps near me while I changed the tire. They were intrigued by this device and asked me about it. They were impressed.

It was well worth the money!

[oldenuftoknowbetter]

Originally Posted by Spur

Yeah, I was ready to purchase a Tire-Aid but then I realized that it wouldn't work with a leaf spring suspension. They only work with Torsion suspensions. The terms "leaf spring" and "torsion" are at the apex of my mechanical knowledge and understanding lol , hence, my question about where to position the jack. Great video though. That helps a lot.

I have a Starcraft Launch Ultralite 26BHS. It has a leaf spring suspension and the Trailer Aid worked like a dream.

[Spur]

Originally Posted by murff

6 ton hydraulic bottle jack with a big block of wood to put under it.

Personally, i like to have a transvestite with me when i have a flat because of how fast they can change attire!

Murff

lol

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Spur

Ok, good to know. Any particular jack you would recommend that I can keep in the trailer? I have a 26 BH that weighs at the most 7k.

Our 5th tips the scale at 12700# at it's last weighing. I bought a HF 20T bottle jack to lift it with. It's overkill but it has a pretty good stroke which is why I picked it. And the 20T makes for really easy jacking. I also have enough 2x4 cribbing to make a tower tall enough to use the frame and not the axle.
I also have GS Roadside Assist which I've used for the 2 flats I've had (a whole 'nother story) and the tech used an air powered bottle jack under the axle.
All the lifting I've done has been at the storage lot.

[Iraqvet05]

The 26bh is only 5,000 lbs dry. My 3 ton jack lifts mine.

[Explorer03]

The "Trailer Aid" did not work on my trailer today. I went out to grease the wheel bearings and it did not raise the second wheel off the ground. It worked on my 26BH but will not work on my new 2017 28 BHBE. I ended up pulling out the jack from my truck.

They sell a "Trailer Aid Plus" model which is supposed to give 1" more lift (total of 5.5") but I do not know it that would be enough. I guess I will have to invest and a bottle nose jack. I liked the simplicity of the "Trailer Aid"

[Spur]

Originally Posted by Explorer03

The "Trailer Aid" did not work on my trailer today. I went out to grease the wheel bearings and it did not raise the second wheel off the ground. It worked on my 26BH but will not work on my new 2017 28 BHBE. I ended up pulling out the jack from my truck.

They sell a "Trailer Aid Plus" model which is supposed to give 1" more lift (total of 5.5") but I do not know it that would be enough. I guess I will have to invest and a bottle nose jack. I liked the simplicity of the "Trailer Aid"

What year was your 26BH? Did it have leaf springs? If it will work on my 2016 26BH then I'd prefer the Trailer-Aid over a jack.

I'll probably buy a 6ton jack and carry both.

[NVGun40]

I have used blocks of wood in the manner of the trailer aid on past rigs I have owned. This method will work with leaf spring suspension. The caveat is normal (close set) stance axles. If your trailer has the wide stance axles you will find the need for a jack or a much higher trailer aid or 'like' system to get that second wheel off the ground.

As for my current rig, it has the wide stance axles so I lift one wheel at a time using a jack directly under the axle. Knowing that axles are designed to carry the load with a specific arch and supported the trailer by one axle can bend or damage the axle, it is important to note that you do not lift the entire trailer or even both wheels of one side. Just lift enough to get the tire off.